Solar Panel Cost Guide in Salina, NY (2023 Update)
- Salina Solar Installation Cost: $9,561
- 25-Year Savings: $6,646
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Salina
We go over average solar pricing in Salina.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Salina it's 2.95 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Salina, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,561, or $13,672 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Salina based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Salina
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,913 |
| 3 years | $-7,616 |
| 5 years | $-6,320 |
| 7 years | $-5,023 |
| 9 years | $-3,726 |
| 11 years | $-2,430 |
| 13 years | $-1,133 |
| 15 years | $163 |
| 17 years | $1,460 |
| 19 years | $2,756 |
| 21 years | $4,053 |
| 23 years | $5,349 |
| 25 years | $6,646 |
Top Solar Installers in Salina
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Salina
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Salina
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Salina: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Salina, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Salina to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.07 | $12,886 | $8,108 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $11,141 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $14,339 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $17,703 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $21,231 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $24,925 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $28,784 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $32,808 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Salina, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Salina, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Salina?
The average cost of solar panels in Salina is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Salina?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.